USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup prediction: Odds, preview, picks, best bet for Round of 32 clash
Team USA looked like a force to be reckoned with in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, but all of that goes out the window now.A slip-up against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday night would spoil what could be a crowning moment for the U.S.
Men’s National Team.The Americans are also in uncharted waters.For the first time in modern history, the Yanks are a heavy favorite in an elimination game at the World Cup.The only other time they were projected to win a knockout match was in 2010, when they were slightly favored over Ghana.
The Black Stars won that match, 2-1.The last time the Americans won a knockout match at the World Cup was 24 years ago in South Korea.While that 2002 group had plenty of spunk, they were nowhere near as talented as the current crop of stars.After dismantling Paraguay and Australia in the group stage, and losing an entertaining, meaningless match against Turkey, Team USA will be presented with a different kind of challenge against Bosnia.While Paraguay and Australia sat deep and tried to counter with speed against Team USA, the Bosnians will try to turn this into a backyard brawl.They’re a big and physical side, and they know their best chance of pulling this upset — and it would be a big one, as the bookmakers at DraftKings have installed the Yanks as a -700 favorite to advance — is by playing disciplined defense and then trying to get a goal on a set piece.
Bosnia nearly pulled that exact game plan off against Canada in its first match of the tournament.The Dragons defended deep, got a goal on a set piece, and tried to hold on for the remaining 75 minutes.
The Canadians scored a late equalizer, but that match still serves as a warning to the Yanks.That said, the Americans are much better equipped than Canada to unlock a low block.You need to be quick and decisive with your ball movement against a compact defense, and the Americans have been just that thanks to their string-pullers in the midfield, Tyler ...